History

Prior to the 1820s, the area of today's Bloomington was at the edge of a large grove enjoyed by the Kickapoo people before the first Euro-American settlers arrived in the early 1820s.^[5] Springing from the settlement of Keg Grove, later called Blooming Grove, Bloomington was named as county seat on December 25, 1830, when McLean County was created. 

When the County of McLean was incorporated a county seat was established. However, the legislation stated the site of Bloomington "would be located later." James Allen, who was one of the promoters of the new county, offered to donate 60 acres of his own land for the new town. His offer was accepted and Bloomington was laid out. Its lots were sold at a big party on the 4th of July 1831. At this time there were few roads, but rich soils brought new farmers who began commerce by conducting their business in the newly formed county. People came from all over to trade and do business at the town's center, known today as Downtown Bloomington, including Abraham Lincoln who was working as a lawyer in nearby Springfield.

In 1900 an officer on patrol discovered a fire in a laundry across the street from the old City Hall and Police Station. He sounded the alarm but the fire eventually destroyed the majority of the downtown, especially the areas north and east of the courthouse. However, the burnt area was quickly rebuilt from the designs of local architects George Miller, Paul O. Moratz and A.L. Pillsbury.

During the first two decades of the 20th century Bloomington continued to grow. Agriculture, the construction of highways and railroads, and the growth of the insurance business (mainly State Farm Insurance) all influenced the growth of Bloomington and its downtown area. The downtown area became a regional shopping center attracting trade from adjoining counties. Labor unions grew in strength. This trend has continued to the present day, where expansion has included many restaurants and other businesses.

Economy

Bloomington is home to Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, St. Joseph hospitals, a convention center at the
 McLean County Fairgrounds, U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Eastland Mall and Beer Nuts. The top ten employers located in Bloomington-Normal include State Farm Insurance, which was founded in the city, Illinois State University, Country Insurance & Financial Services, Bromenn Healthcare, Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing, Unit 5 schools, AFNI, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, County of McLean, and the City of Bloomington.